Wellcraft 18 Fish sits low in the water

[Warren]

I'm considering the purchase of a 1989 Wellcraft 18 Fish from a local dealer.

The boat appears to be in pretty good shape, given its age. The 150hp Yamaha 2 stroke motor ran well during the sea trial. Here's my concern. While at rest at the dock in calm water, the boat sits quite low in the water. The water level at the stern is approx 4-5 inches above (yes, ABOVE) the two transom scupper outlets . This means that the waterline at the side of the boat towards the stern is about 3-4 inches above the factory waterline decal that is on the boat. I'm concerned about this !!! This means that there is only about 6-7 inches of "free board" remaining to the top of the transom cutout.
There is no additional equipment on board, and only one battery in the port stern locker. The scuppers were plugged with quick snap plugs when we were at the dock, then the salesman removed them as we prepared to get underway.

Is it the weight of the stock original 150hp motor causing this? Is this considered NORMAL for this model?

When we were underway during the sea trial, in 2-3 ft chop, the boat ran fine, planed ok, and steered ok. But on the initial "hole shot" the stern quickly buried itself and 1-2 gallons of wake water quickly splashed over the transom into the motor well, but once on plane it quickly exited through the scuppers, that were now above the water.

Am I just paranoid?...or should I fear that maybe something more serious is causing the low stern, like maybe water in the hull core?
Any help or observations from current or previous owners of this model would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance
Warren (Thousand Islands, Ontario)

[Warren]

.....just an addendum to my initial notes above.

When I walked the boat, I did not detect any obvious signs of "soft" flooring, and when I checked the transom, it too appeared to be solid.
Warren

[BigMik1]

I'm no expert. Just purchased a 19 ccf with Johnson 119. I had a conversation with my outboard mechanic about replacing the Johnson with another engine. He warned of adding more weight to the back of the boat. I also noticed my boat sits lower in the water when I have more than 2 adults in the back of the boat while moving forward. My boat does better both floating and driving when I have passengers in the front. Interesting to know how much your yamaha weighs compared a Johnson 119

[Warren]

Hello BigMike1,
Well I brought the Wellcraft 18 home last Thursday. The first thing I did after completing the 200 mile drive home was pull the main drain plug. A steady stream of water poured out for at least 5-8 minutes. I'm sure that extra weight didn't help with the boats stance in the water. I'd like to get the boat back in the water for a couple of short cruises, just to get used to how it handles before I have to pack it away, but It's getting pretty cold around here in the Thousand Islands, and the water level is dropping fast. FYI, I checked my Yamaha owners manual and my 150hp, 2stroke comes in at 430lbs. The same manual also gives the specs for the 115 model, and it's 375 lbs. Hope that answers your question.

Warren

[Rick280]

Hello Warren,
New to Wellcraft boats, but not new to boating. I certainly don't know how to figure it out, but a steady stream through a 3/4" drain hole for 5-8 minutes sounds like a LOT of water in the bilge. I'd definitely take a closer look and see exactly why there was so much water to begin with.

[BigMik1]

Warren,
55 lbs might not seem like a lot of weight difference. Maybe you can lighten up the back of your boat... I agree with Rick280 seems like a lot of water draining out. Is your bilge pump on or working properly? I get that much water when I'm washing and flushing out my live wells but not when on the water under normal operations. Good luck. Please
Post an update when you get it figured out!!